New York Giants Trade Pass Rusher Markus Golden to Arizona Cardinals

New York Giants linebacker Markus Golden in 2019. Photo by Chris Szagola/CSM/Shutterstock (10363591bq)

Losing their best pass rusher Chandler Jones to injury earlier in the season, it was obvious that the Arizona Cardinals were going to make a move to strengthen their defense before the trade deadline.

And they have. Arizona is bringing back a familiar face, Markus Golden. The Cardinals drafted Golden in 2015 with their second-round pick. He spent four years with the Cardinals but was traded to the New York Giants after his production fell off due to injuries.

Golden played a year and a half with the Giants and led the team with 11.5 sacks over that timespan. The Giants, who are 1-6 and looking to get rid of anyone they can before the trade deadline to acquire more draft picks, will be getting a sixth-round pick in the 2021 draft from Arizona.

The deal is good for both teams. Golden wasn’t getting much playing time in New York and it was clear that the coaching staff didn’t see him as a scheme fit, despite his pure pass rushing abilities.

The Cardinals are getting a player that they are already familiar with to help bolster their defense and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks in Jones’ absence.